Premier Steven Miles has named former council CEO Emma Thomas the interim head of the newly established Games Venue and Legacy Delivery Authority.
As foreshadowed last week, Thomas recently announced her departure from Sunshine Coast Council after three years and was considered a strong candidate for the powerful 2032 Games role.
Thomas said she was pleased to be tasked with helping Brisbane host a successful Games and ensuring the benefits flow to the wider community.
“We’ve got a lot of work to do,” Thomas said, pointing to the need to “get momentum behind the delivery of the venues we’ve had announced already”.
Thomas would not be drawn on the government’s choice of the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre as the main athletics venue, saying she looked forward to starting in the role on July 1.
“I think it’s important to take in all the information that’s available and also be working very strongly with the Games delivery partners,” she said.
The appointment, which could yet become permanent, comes after parliament last week passed the enabling legislation for the authority. Seven independent directors will also be appointed.